A cacklerag is a monstrosity that is somewhat reminiscent of a humanoid that generally resides deep in forests. Cacklerags are highly territorial hunters, and will defend their lands violently should they detect a threat. Cacklerags are known to venture to the edges of forests when food is scarce, and on rare occasions they may resort to hunting small settlements.
Description
Cacklerags resemble emaciated humanoids in stature. they have pallid, dead eyes, thin, clawed legs and arms, and somewhat bloated stomachs in comparison to their otherwise gaunt appearance. Their skin is generally a pale grey, though this can vary depending on the subspecies; other common variations are dark greens and reds, though the latter generally signifies a stronger and more violent nature.
Cacklerags have humanoid heads with large, toothy jaws lined with thick fangs. Two large, varicose veins line the long necks of a cacklerag, which carry the potent "venom" that brews in their stomachs. This venom becomes active when mixed with the saliva of the cacklerag, and becomes a substance capable of evaporating the blood in a creature.
Behavior and Lifecycle
Cacklerags are primarily solitary creatures. While they do occasionally seek mates, the females of the species will immediately depart once impregnated, raising the infants on her own.
Cacklerag children resemble ordinary human children, and do not resemble their heritage in any way until they turn 6 and undergo a molting process that reveals their true nature. Cacklerag children age at a much more accelerated pace, about 4 times the speed of a normal human child. They are generally incapable of hunting on their own, so the mother will hunt for their food. Most are incapable of any form of higher communication, but certain mutations have been recorded emulating human speech in order to lure prey.
Cacklerags set off to find their own territory after becoming adults, preferring to live in dark, forested environments, and generally taking up residence in a cave. They will begin culling the wildlife in the area, killing anything they can grab and storing the remains in their homes. Once wildlife becomes scarce, the cacklerag will move on to another area with more life, provided they survive long enough. Cacklerags will stalk their territory every few weeks or so, collecting enough food to last them until their next hunt. They prefer to hunt larger targets.
Cacklerags have a lifespan of roughly 30 years.
Combating Cacklerags
Cacklerags may strike at they prey with their sharp claws, but the largest threat is being punctured by their fangs and having your blood come into contact with their venom. Armor effective against piercing such as chainmail or thick, wooden armor is generally more effective than plate mail or the like, as the cacklerag's teeth are more than capable of punching through metal.
The venom of a cacklerag can be neutralized by cutting open the stomach, where the potent acidic solution is produced. It should be noted that the unmixed acid is highly corrosive, and might destroy the implement used to cut the stomach open; it is thusly recommended to use disposable wooden stakes to complete the job. Alternatively, glasses and ceramics are highly resistant to the corrosive effects. It is also recommended to somehow immobilize the beast, especially if the plan is to harvest the venom. Cacklerags are rather nimble, so it may prove a challenge to pin the beast down.